Universal Rackets Weekly Update!

Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game

How To Stop & Beat Bangers In Pickleball

Here is the thing: bangers are not self proclaimed. They are created by you!

Yes! You read that right. YOU CREATE THE BANGER!!! Yes, some players hit the ball harder than others, however if you do not want to play against a banger it is simple: do not create them!

So you are probably wondering… “how am I creating a banger?” it is simple players can be aggressive, hit hard, and “bang” the ball from one place and that is above the net. Any high ball that you give your opponent above the net will allow them to hit down into the court. How do you stop creating a “banger” it is simple: get them to hit UP instead of hitting DOWN. If you can keep the ball below the net you will force your opponents to hit up into the court. If you can force your opponent to constantly hit up they will have to hit a neutral or defensive shot by either 1. slowing their ball down 2. dinking. If a “banger” choose to hit hard from below the net they will either 1. hit the ball out 2. hit the ball into the net.

Next time you are out on court and you feel like you are playing a “banger” take a quick breather and think “where are you allowing your opponent to make contact?”.

How do we keep the ball low and force our opponents to hit below the net? On your 3rd shot choose to drop shallow into the kitchen: this will force them to have to let the ball bounce into the kitchen and take below the net. On your return (and their 3rd shot) hit slice: the slice will keep your shots low making it difficult for your opponent to hit a 3rd shot drive. At the kitchen dink and keep your shots in the kitchen: this will force your opponent to hit an aggressive or neutral shot back

Want another tip to beat the bangers? Let Balls Go! Shoulder high let it fly(this is easier said than done) however if you can show the “banger” that you will not fall for out balls, that you will let balls go, the banger will think twice next time they try to hit hard at you.

So next time you are out on court against a banger don’t stress, use the tips above and win more points!

Click here for a full video on how to beat bangers!

🎥 Click here to see a full video lesson on what to do after your third shot

🗣️ Coach David Says: “It’s Time for YOU to Get a DUPR Rating!” Join A DUPR Rating Clinic With Coach David!

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, tournament junkie, or just someone who loves a good game of pickleball, Coach David has one message for you: it’s time to get DUPR rated. So… what’s the big deal with DUPR? The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) is quickly becoming the gold standard for tracking your skill level. It’s trusted by pros, clubs, and leagues across the country—and now it’s your turn to jump in.

Coach David breaks it down:

 • “DUPR helps you track progress.” Every match you play counts toward your rating. Win or lose, you’re building your profile.

 • “No more guesswork.” Tired of wondering if you’re a 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0? DUPR does the math and gives you an accurate, updated skill rating.

 • “Better matchups = better games.” With a DUPR rating, you’re more likely to play against others at your level—leading to more fun, more competition, and more improvement.

How to Get Rated:

We’re hosting DUPR Rating Clinics at select Universal Rackets locations. These events include: Live match play, Coaching and feedback from Universal Rackets pros, A verified DUPR rating within 24–48 hours, Tons of fun and community energy. So if you’ve been asking yourself, “What level am I really?”—Coach Dave has your answer: Get on the court. Get rated. Let’s play.

Click here to view our Upcoming Radnor DUPR Clinic

Click here to view our Upcoming Philly (Cheltenham) DUPR Clinic

Click here to view our Upcoming Jersey Shore DUPR Clinics

100s of Programs Are Starting Near You!

Universal Rackets is thrilled to offer programming at 35+ locations across the PA, NJ, TX, FL, IL area including adult/youth clinics, rating clinics, camps, adult clinics, social tournaments, Picklepaloozas, fundraising events, and more. As your all-in-one, inclusive pickleball and tennis community provider, we are proud to offer opportunities for all ages and skill levels, with flexible scheduling that includes weekends, weekdays, mornings, and evenings!

Click here to view all of our programs!

How To Hit An “In The Air Serve”

One major difficulty that players have when picking up the game of pickleball is hitting the serve in the air. Many players who have difficulty revert to the drop serve, once you advance to a certain level or want to gain an extra edge you will have to learn how to serve in the air. There are two components to successfully hit a serve in the air and that is 1. Timing 2. Rhythm. Timing and rhythm are key to hit a successful “in the air serve”.

Before we explain the 2 components you HAVE to be in the proper starting point. 1. Sideways 2. Paddle Back 3. Ball Out In Front & Hip Height. Now yes, Ben Johns, Tyson McGuffin and many players serve different than this however this is the most user friendly way to learn a drop serve. If you don’t start with your paddle back you have to add another component (getting it back in the prober time), if you drop the ball higher you have to add another component (having to time the toss). By having the 3 components it simplifies the serve to eliminate the amount of things that can go wrong.

One more thing we have to go over before we get into rhythm is the drop (of the ball). Here’s the leading reason why players go wrong and can’t serve in the air. Their drop is off! Now we are already at hip height as listed in the paragraph above but now we have to drop the actual ball. Players toss the ball, players slam the ball down, how do we get a prober drop…? It’s simple: Do NOT think drop, THINK RELEASE. Literally release the ball from the hand, no wrist or extra movement, just let go.

Now once we have the proper starting point (and drop) it is time to talk about the 2 components timing and rhythm. Both timing and rhythm go hand in hand but different tips, different sayings work for different people. The main thing is as soon as you drop the ball you have to hit, as soon as the ball leaves your hand you have to swing. Think the moment you pull the trigger the shot fires… the moment you drop (release) the ball, you fire, you let your paddle go, you commit without hesitation, swing and finish towards your target. Players can’t hit the “in air serve” because they hesitate, as soon as you drop you have to go for it. Hack to learn: say out loud “cue words” to teach muscle memory. Say “drop” and “hit”, say “1” and “2”, say “release” and “swing”. These cue words work and they will teach you the 2 components to and in the air serve.

Click here to see the #1 exercise for you to do to learn an in the air serve Note when you do this exercise make sure to use the cue words!

Lesson of the Week: How To Instantly To 2x More Balls

Click here to view this week’s lesson

Thank you for reading and we can’t wait to see you on court!

-Universal Rackets